shredding confidential client information

Under legislation that became effective in 2000, any document that contains personal client information cannot simply be thrown in the trash by a business. It must be destroyed by shredding, pulping, or other methods designed to make the information unreadable or undecipherable through any means.

"Personal client information" means any information by which the client could be identified, including – but not limited to – the client's name, signature, address, telephone number, physical characteristics or description, driver's license number, education, employment, employment history, passport, social security number, bank account number, credit card number, or any other financial information.

"Business" includes sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other groups. For a full reading of the laws now in effect, read Civil Code sections 1798.80-1798.82.